The Derby Scholarship Program

Since its establishment as a nonprofit organization, the Martha's Vineyard Striped Bass & Bluefish Derby, Inc. has awarded annual scholarships to Martha's Vineyard Regional High School graduating seniors. The total amount of money donated since 1986 now exceeds $600,000. Qualified students are recommended by the school and selected by a Derby subcommittee. With the continued support of the Ann E. Clark Foundation, the Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Trust, and the Dougherty Family Trust, in 2018 the Derby was able to award two $10,000 scholarships, three $5000 scholarships, and one $2500 scholarship to the deserving students featured on this page. One of the scholarships has been named in honor of island artist Ray Ellis, whose contributions to the Derby made the scholarship program flourish. The Derby Committee wishes these graduates success in their educational endeavors.

Recipients

Curtis Fisher

Curtis thrived in high school, exploring his interests in computer science and environmental science, as well as music and acting. He won awards in the school science fair at local and regional levels, including the Intel Award and Navy Award. Curtis was very active in the high school's MVironment Club, where he led an outreach activity collaborating with the MV Shellfish Group.

John was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school, captaining two of the teams. Academically, he ranked in the top 4% of his class, taking ten Advanced Placement courses and taking double science classes each year. John was selected by his classmates to be a member of the Peer Outreach Program. He is a humble student who led by example.

John will attend the University of Tampa.

Greta Gannon

Greta has grown up in a family connected to the water. Her father is a wooden boatbuilder, and her family has completed many long sailing trips to distant ports. Greta is regarded by others as kind and compassionate. She is hard-working and engaged in learning.

Greta will study Environmental and Marine Science at the University of Vermont.

Marguerite Mayhew

Maggie is a dedicated sailor, competing in both the spring and fall seasons. During her junior year, she sailed to the Bahamas and Cuba. This trip impacted her, expanding her worldview and understanding of other cultures. Maggie demonstrated in high school a willingness to take risks and challenge herself.

Maggie will attend the University of Vermont.

Samantha Cassidy

Samantha is this year's recipient of the Derby's Ray Ellis Memorial Scholarship. She immersed herself in the high school's performing arts program and traveled to Europe with the Minnesingers. Academically, she was ranked in the top 9% of her class, taking Honors and Advanced Placement classes. Samantha is self-motivated and empathic.

Samantha will attend Rider University

Matteus Scheffer

Matteus' family has deep roots in commercial fishing. Being connected to the water is in his blood, and he plans to study environmental science and aquaculture in college. In high school, he participated in the monthly Engineering Challenge and consistently earned Honor Roll status. He is well-respected by his peers and teachers, and volunteered with many community service organizations.

Matteus will attend the University of Rhode Island.

A special thanks to the "ANN E. CLARK FOUNDATION" and VINEYARD VINES for their unsurpassed support of the scholarship program.